KR102423495B1 - Smart shoes module - Google Patents

Abstract

In the smart shoe module provided in the smart shoe, the wearer's motion is accurately measured by measuring the pressure generated when the wearer walks with a digital signal such as an on signal and an off signal, and a conductive member and a material causing generation of the on signal 1 In order to realize the electrical connection between the circuit parts in various ways and to bring about various ancillary effects according to the shape and properties of such conductive members, the upper exterior of the pressure switch is formed and the pressure above a specific value acting in the first direction is applied. An upper case that elastically behaves, a lower case coupled to a lower end of the upper case to form a lower exterior of the pressure switch, a substrate mounted on the lower case and including a first circuit portion, the upper case and a first circuit portion of the substrate It provides a smart shoe module provided between the conductive member for generating a signal to the first circuit unit by the elastic behavior, and a control unit for processing the signal generated in the first circuit unit.

Description

Smart Shoe Module {SMART SHOES MODULE}

The present invention relates to a smart shoe module provided in a smart shoe to perform various functions.

Recently, a mobile terminal is implemented in the form of a smart terminal that performs functions related to content production and consumption in addition to the communication function of the past, such as being implemented in the form of a multimedia player with complex functions.

The form of a smart terminal is extended to various things as well as a conventional mobile terminal to perform various functions independently of each thing or by interworking with the smart terminal or things.

In particular, the smart terminal is widely applied to wearable items such as wearable devices.

Wearable devices may include devices such as smartwatches, smart glasses, and head mounted displays (HMDs), to clothing and footwear products that are essential for users.

A shoe as a wearable device, so-called smart shoe, generally performs a function of notifying a user through a smart terminal such as a mobile terminal or by itself by analyzing information on a wearer's activity.

Specifically, the smart shoe performs a function of tracking, sensing, or recording an activity time, activity distance, activity trajectory, etc. in a state in which the wearer wears the smart shoe.

A motion sensor is used to measure the location of the smart shoe in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space, such as an activity distance and an activity trajectory of the wearer.

Such a motion sensor may grasp not only an approximate position through a satellite navigation device such as a global positioning system (GPS), but also a specific position through an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

Furthermore, by measuring the speed of the smart shoe through the motion sensor, it is possible to calculate whether the wearer walks or not and the criterion for each step unit.

However, such a motion sensor must maintain a state that can always measure the position of the smart shoe, that is, a state that consumes current, and this may have a disadvantage in battery consumption, which has a disadvantage in reducing the weight of the smart shoe.

In addition, when a motion trajectory is identified through only the existing motion sensor, it may not be possible to accurately distinguish the wearer's steps due to noise generated by the sensor, which may result in a cumulative error. That is, a problem in recording measurement may occur by erroneously calculating the reference of the wearer's step unit.

Accordingly, it is necessary to accurately measure the wearer's motion by measuring the pressure generated when the wearer walks with a digital signal such as an on signal and an off signal.

In addition, the electrical connection between the conductive member causing generation of the ON signal and the first circuit unit may be performed in various ways, and various ancillary effects may be expected depending on the shape and properties of the conductive member.

An object of the present invention is to accurately grasp the motion of the wearer in the smart shoe which is the above-mentioned problem.

Another object is to minimize power consumption in recognizing the wearer's motion.

Another object is to make it possible to clearly distinguish an on signal or an off signal generated by the smart shoe module that detects the wearer's motion.

According to one aspect of the present invention in order to achieve the above or other objects, the upper case forming the upper exterior of the pressure switch and elastic behavior by pressure greater than or equal to a specific value acting in the first direction, coupled to the lower end of the upper case A lower case forming the lower end appearance of the pressure switch, a substrate mounted on the lower case and including a first circuit part, the upper case and the first circuit part provided between the first circuit part of the substrate, and the first circuit part by the elastic behavior It provides a smart shoe module including a conductive member for generating a signal and a control unit for processing the signal generated in the first circuit unit.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, the conductive member provides a smart shoe module comprising at least one of a variable resistance element, a dielectric, and a dome cap.

According to another aspect of the present invention, when the conductive member is a variable resistance element, there is provided a smart shoe module further comprising a conductive layer covering at least one region of an upper surface of the variable resistance element.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, an upper case that forms the upper appearance of the pressure switch and elastically behaves by a pressure greater than or equal to a specific value acting in the first direction, coupled to the lower end of the upper case, the lower appearance of the pressure switch a lower case forming a lower case, a substrate mounted on the lower case including a first circuit unit, a piezo provided between the upper case and the first circuit unit of the substrate, and generating a signal to the first circuit unit by the elastic behavior It provides a smart shoe module including a control unit for processing a signal generated in the device and the first circuit unit.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, the control unit provides a smart shoe module, characterized in that it calculates the amount of exercise of the user based on the voltage of the signal generated in the first circuit unit.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smart shoe module, characterized in that it further comprises a power supply for receiving the electricity generated from the piezo element and storing power.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, further comprising a power supply for applying a voltage to the piezo element, wherein the control unit causes the power supply unit to apply a voltage corresponding to a preset control signal to the piezo element It provides a smart shoe module that is characterized.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, the preset control signal provides a smart shoe module, characterized in that at least one of the voltage application magnitude, number, and cycle is different.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, further comprising a location information module for measuring or transmitting location information of the smart shoe module, wherein the control unit, the distance between the location information measured by the location information module and a specific location It provides a smart shoe module, characterized in that the voltage application period is varied in response to.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, the smart shoe module includes a left smart shoe module and a right smart shoe module each provided with the piezo element, and the preset control signal is applied to either one of the piezo elements. Smart shoes comprising a first control signal for applying a voltage, a second control signal for simultaneously applying a voltage to both sides of each piezo element, and a third control signal for applying a voltage to both sides of each piezo element at this time module is provided.

The effect of the smart shoe according to the present invention will be described as follows.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage that noise due to the use of the acceleration sensor or the gyro sensor to analyze the motion of the wearer can be minimized.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage that power consumption due to the use of the acceleration sensor or the gyro sensor in the smart shoe module can be minimized.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage in that the contact reliability of the structure contacted by the pressure generated by the wearer can be improved so that the on signal or the off signal can be clearly distinguished.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, so it is understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments such as preferred embodiments of the present invention are given by way of example only. should be

1 is a block diagram for explaining a smart shoe module related to the present invention.
2 is a yz plane cross-sectional view of a smart shoe equipped with a smart shoe module related to the present invention.
3 is a time-series diagram illustrating a walking mode of a wearer of a smart shoe module related to the present invention and a response to a signal generated in response thereto.
4 is a flowchart for a smart shoe module related to the present invention.
5 is a view showing a conductive member and a first circuit unit related to the present invention.
6 shows an example of a smart shoe module related to the present invention.
7 is an exploded perspective view of a smart shoe module related to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along AA′ of FIG. 6 .
9 shows a part of a smart shoe module for a case in which the conductive member is a variable resistance element.
10 is a block diagram of a smart shoe module when the conductive member is a piezo element.
11 is a block diagram of a smart shoe module when the conductive member is a piezo element.
12 to 15 illustrate embodiments in which a notification function is provided to a user through a piezo element.
16 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a dielectric is used as a conductive member.
17 is a side schematic view of a smart shoe module with a dielectric.
18 shows an embodiment of a smart shoe module related to the present invention.
19 shows an embodiment of a smart shoe module related to the present invention.

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or similar components are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" for components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of only the ease of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles by themselves. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed herein is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention , should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Recently, a mobile terminal has been implemented in the form of a smart phone that performs functions related to content production and consumption in addition to the communication functions of the past, such as being implemented in the form of a multimedia player with complex functions.

The form of a smart terminal is extended to various things as well as a conventional mobile terminal to perform various functions independently of each thing or by interworking with the smart terminal or things.

In particular, the smart terminal is widely applied to wearable items such as wearable devices.

Wearable devices may include devices such as smartwatches, smart glasses, and head mounted displays (HMDs), to clothing and footwear products that are essential for users.

A shoe as a wearable device, so-called smart shoe, generally performs a function of notifying a user through a smart terminal such as a mobile terminal or by itself by analyzing information on a wearer's activity.

Specifically, the smart shoe performs a function of tracking, sensing, or recording an activity time, activity distance, activity trajectory, etc. in a state in which the wearer wears the smart shoe.

A motion sensor is used to measure the location of the smart shoe in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space, such as an activity distance and an activity trajectory of the wearer.

Such a motion sensor may grasp not only an approximate position through a satellite navigation device such as a global positioning system (GPS), but also a specific position through an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

Furthermore, by measuring the speed of the smart shoe through the motion sensor, it is possible to calculate whether the wearer walks or not and the criterion for each step unit.

However, such a motion sensor must maintain a state that can always measure the position of the smart shoe, that is, a state that consumes current, and this may have a disadvantage in battery consumption, which has a disadvantage in reducing the weight of the smart shoe.

In addition, when a motion trajectory is identified through only the existing motion sensor, it may not be possible to accurately distinguish the wearer's steps due to noise generated by the sensor, which may result in a cumulative error. That is, a problem in recording measurement may occur by erroneously calculating the reference of the wearer's step unit.

1 is a block diagram for explaining a smart shoe module 200 related to the present invention.

The smart shoe module 200 includes a wireless communication unit 310 , an input unit 320 , a sensing unit 340 , an output unit 350 , an interface unit 360 , a memory 370 , a control unit 380 , and a power supply unit 390 . ) and the like. The components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential for implementing the smart shoe module 200, so the smart shoe module 200 described herein may include more or fewer components than those listed above. can have

More specifically, among the above components, the wireless communication unit 310 is configured between the smart shoe module 200 and the wireless communication system, between the smart shoe module 200 and another mobile terminal, or between the smart shoe module 200 and an external server. It may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between them. In addition, the wireless communication unit 310 may include one or more modules for connecting the smart shoe module 200 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 310 may include at least one of a short-range communication module 311 and a location information module 312 .

The short-range communication module 311 may be connected to the smart shoe module 200 through a Bluetooth method to transmit/receive data.

The location information module 312 serves to measure or transmit location information of the smart shoe module 200 and may include a concept overlapping with the motion sensor 343 to be described later.

The input unit 320 may include a user input unit 321 (eg, a touch key, a mechanical key, etc.) for receiving information from a user. The voice data or image data collected by the input unit 320 may be analyzed and processed as a user's control command. The input unit 320 may serve to receive an input of an on/off function for activating or deactivating the function of the smart shoe module 200, and may be omitted as necessary to reduce production cost or reduce weight.

The sensing unit 340 may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information in the smart shoe module 200 , surrounding environment information surrounding the smart shoe module 200 , and user information. For example, the sensing unit 340 may include a proximity sensor 341, an illumination sensor 342, an illumination sensor, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor 344, and a magnetic sensor. , gravity sensor (G-sensor), gyroscope sensor (345, gyroscope sensor, hereinafter), motion sensor (343, motion sensor), RGB sensor, infrared sensor (IR sensor: infrared sensor), fingerprint recognition sensor (finger scan sensor), ultrasonic sensor (ultrasonic sensor), optical sensor (optical sensor), battery gauge (battery gauge), environmental sensor (eg barometer, hygrometer, thermometer, radiation detection sensor, thermal sensor, gas detection sensor, etc.) and a chemical sensor (eg, electronic nose, healthcare sensor, biometric sensor, etc.). On the other hand, the smart shoe module 200 disclosed herein may combine and utilize information sensed by at least two or more of these sensors.

In particular, the acceleration sensor 344 and the gyro sensor 345 mentioned in the present invention may be included in the motion sensor 343 .

The motion sensor 343 mounted on the smart shoe module 200 may refer to a configuration that directly senses the movement of the smart shoe module 200 . The motion sensor 343 may include an acceleration sensor 344 and a gyro sensor 345 . If necessary, only one of the acceleration sensor 344 and the gyro sensor 345 may be provided.

Through the motion sensor 343 , it is possible to sense a motion such as a position change with respect to a position and time in two or three dimensions of the smart shoe module 200 .

The controller 380 may control the power supply 390 to supply a current required for the motion sensor 343 . The control unit 380 may include a physical configuration of a micro controller unit (MCU) such as an arithmetic processing unit (CPU).

The motion sensor 343 and the controller 380 may be included in the smart shoe module 200 or may be mounted on the smart shoe 100 as a separate configuration.

The pressure sensor 346 may be performed by the smart shoe module 200 . The pressure sensor 346 may be a concept included in the motion sensor 343 functionally, but in the present invention, the motion sensor 343 includes an acceleration sensor 344 and a gyro sensor 345 , and a pressure sensor 346 . to be described separately as an independent configuration from the motion sensor 343 .

The output unit 350 is for generating an output related to visual, auditory or tactile sense, and includes at least one of a display unit 351 , a sound output unit 352 , a haptip module 353 , and an optical output unit 354 . can do.

The interface unit 360 serves as a passage with various types of external devices connected to the smart shoe module 200 . The interface unit 360 includes at least one of an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, and a port for connecting a device equipped with an identification module. can do. In response to the connection of the external device to the interface unit 360 , the smart shoe module 200 may perform appropriate control related to the connected external device.

In addition, the memory 370 stores data supporting various functions of the smart shoe module 200 . The memory 370 may store data and commands for the operation of the controller driven in the smart shoe module 200 .

The controller 380 generally controls the overall operation of the smart shoe module 200 in addition to the operation related to the application program. The controller 380 may provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the above-described components or using data and commands stored in the memory 370 . .

The power supply unit 390 receives external power and internal power under the control of the control unit 380 to supply power to each component included in the smart shoe module 200 . The power supply unit 390 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the respective components may operate in cooperation with each other in order to implement the operation, control, or control method of the smart shoe module 200 according to various embodiments to be described below. In addition, the operation, control, or control method of the smart shoe module 200 may be implemented on the smart shoe module 200 through at least one data or command stored in the memory 370 .

2 is a y-z plane cross-sectional view of the smart shoe 100 provided with the smart shoe module 200 related to the present invention.

The sole frame 110 refers to a region directly/indirectly in contact with the sole of the wearer's foot. That is, in the smart shoe module 200, it may mean a frame of a region provided between the wearer's foot and the floor. The sole frame 110 is provided at the lowermost end of the insole 111, which directly touches the sole of the wearer's foot, and the smart shoe module 200 to the outside, that is, the outsole 113 and the insole 111 in direct contact with the ground. ) and the outsole 113 may be provided between the midsole 112 (midsole) forming a predetermined volume.

The insole 111 may be a common insole, but may be integrally configured without distinction between the insole 111 and the midsole 112 if necessary, or may be provided in a combined form by a separate member or adhesive.

The smart shoe module 200 may be provided in the sole frame 110 . When the smart shoe module 200 touches the floor by walking or driving of the wearer, a predetermined pressure may be applied to signal or data whether the pressure is applied.

FIG. 3 is a time-series diagram illustrating a walking mode of the wearer 400 of the smart shoe module 200 related to the present invention and a response to a signal generated corresponding thereto.

When the wearer 400 puts on the smart shoe module 200 and steps on the floor, the signal on to the smart shoe module 200 is turned on, and when the wearer 400 falls off the floor wearing the smart shoe module 200, the off signal by the smart shoe module 200 is can occur

In the state of ② to ④ of FIG. 3, a pressure value above a certain level is applied, and a value 1, that is, an ON signal, is generated in the smart shoe module 200, and in the remaining cases ① and ⑤-⑦, a pressure value less than a specific value acts. A value of 0, that is, an off signal, may be generated in the smart shoe module 200 .

That is, the wearer's body of the smart shoe module 200 steps on the ground, and pressure acts on the smart shoe module 200 , particularly the smart shoe module 200 , provided between the ground and the body of the smart shoe 100 wearer. signal may be generated.

The ON signal generated in the smart shoe module 200 may have a signal generation threshold pressure value.

When a pressure greater than or equal to the signal generation threshold pressure value is applied to the smart shoe module 200 , an ON signal may be generated in the smart shoe module 200 .

The signal generation threshold pressure value may be determined according to material rigidity and elasticity of the smart shoe module 200 , the size of the smart shoe module 200 , or a distance between the conductive member and the first circuit unit, and the like.

For example, if the signal generation threshold pressure value is made larger, the pressure threshold at which the ON signal can be generated becomes higher, so the value 1, that is, the ON signal is generated in the smart shoe module 200 only in the case of ② or ③, and the remaining In the case of ① and ④-⑦, a value of 0, that is, an off signal, may be generated in the smart shoe module 200 .

Therefore, it is possible to determine the start and end of one step of the wearer through these results, and when the step is repeated, the cycle of each step can be grasped.

In the case of taking FIG. 3 as an example, ② can be interpreted as the start of a step, and a point passing through ⑦ and becoming ① can be interpreted as the end of a step.

Also, if the change from ② to ② is repeated, one cycle can be identified as one step and multiple steps can be interpreted.

That is, the speed value of the smart shoe module 200 interpreting the unit of step through the previous motion sensor (343, see FIG. 1), that is, the acceleration sensor (344, see FIG. 1) or the gyro sensor (345, see FIG. 1). When this zero point is interpreted, errors may occur due to the action of various variables, that is, noise. However, by removing such noise through the on/off signal of the smart shoe module 200, accurate step units can be distinguished.

The smart shoe module 200 may operate in a direction from the sole of the foot toward the sole frame 110 (refer to FIG. 2 ), that is, depending on whether pressure is applied to the bottom direction. However, it is not necessarily required to be in the downward direction, and if necessary, it may operate based on the pressure in the direction deviated by a certain angle with respect to the downward direction. may work for

The direction of this pressure may be based on the wearer's general gait and force action, or may vary based on the wearer's different gait and force action for each individual.

The critical pressure value may be applied differently depending on physical and habitual factors such as height, weight, and foot size of the wearer. However, since the on/off of the smart shoe module 200 depends on the material and the structure, the smart shoe module 200 for which the material and the structure are determined has a predetermined critical pressure value.

4 is a flowchart for a smart shoe module 200 related to the present invention.

The controller 380 may supply and control current of the motion sensor 343 based on an on signal or an off signal of the smart shoe module 200 .

When the off signal continuously occurs in the smart shoe module 200 for a predetermined time or more, it may be interpreted that the wearer is not wearing the smart shoe module 200 or does not move.

Accordingly, the controller 380 may perform a system sleep mode in which the power consumed in the smart shoe module 200 is minimized by inactivating the motion sensor 343 ( S101 ).

When an on signal is generated in the smart shoe module 200 during the system sleep mode, it may be interpreted that the wearer wears the smart shoe module 200 to perform an activity (S102).

Accordingly, the current of the on signal of the smart shoe module 200 generated during the system sleep mode may activate the control unit 380 (S103). When the control unit 380 is already activated, this step may be omitted.

The activated control unit 380 may release the system sleep mode of the smart shoe module 200 and drive the system. Driving the system may mean driving various electronic components and sensors provided in the smart shoe module 200 . In particular, by activating the motion sensor 343, it is possible to control to sense the motion of the smart shoe module 200 using the acceleration sensor 344 and the gyro sensor 345 (S104).

The controller 380 compares the generation time interval (Interval) of the on signal and the off signal of the smart shoe module 200 with a preset time interval (Interval) in real time (S105).

If the time interval between the on signal and the off signal of the smart shoe module 200 is within a preset time interval, that is, when the on value of 1 is received within a predetermined time, the smart shoe module 200 system is continuously driven can keep In particular, it is possible to continuously maintain the activation of the motion sensor 343 (S106).

On the other hand, when the generation time interval of the on signal and the off signal of the smart shoe module 200 exceeds a preset time interval, that is, when the off value of 0 continues for a predetermined time or more, the controller 380 controls the smart shoe module ( 200) can be turned into inactive, that is, system sleep mode. In particular, the controller 380 may block and deactivate the current for the motion sensor 343 .

5 illustrates a conductive member 230 and a first circuit unit 251 related to the present invention.

The pressure conductive member 230 may operate in connection with the first circuit unit 251 . The first circuit unit 251 may be mounted in the substrate 250 so that at least one region is exposed to the substrate 250 . FIG. 5 schematically shows a state before coupling the conductive member 230 and the first circuit unit 251 for convenience of explanation, and the conductive member 230 is spaced apart from the substrate 250 by another separate member. It may be fixed or fixed by contact.

When a pressure less than a specific value is applied to the pressure smart shoe module 200 , the conductive member 230 electrically disconnects the first circuit unit 251 .

Until the first circuit unit 251 is connected by the pressure conductive member 230 , the first circuit unit 251 may maintain an open circuit, that is, an electrically open state. The first circuit unit 251 in the open state may be implemented by two contact terminals 2511 spaced apart from each other.

When a pressure greater than or equal to a specific value is applied to the pressure smart shoe module 200 , the conductive member 230 may be electrically connected to the contact terminal 2511 of the first circuit unit 251 .

The two spaced apart contact terminals 2511 may be electrically connected by the conductive member 230 such that the first circuit unit 251 is a closed circuit. When the first circuit unit 251 constitutes a closed circuit, a current or a signal may be generated.

The first circuit unit 251 may generate a current or a signal by electrical contact.

The controller 380 (refer to FIG. 1) recognizes whether a current or a signal generated in the first circuit unit 251 is an on/off signal and controls various subsequent operations based on the on/off signal. can

According to the generation of a current or signal in the first circuit unit 251, the control unit 380 (refer to FIG. 1) recognizes the on/off signal, which may be interpreted as a separate and independent process, but this is one performed in the same circuit. may mean the action of That is, the current generated in the first circuit unit 251 may be recognized as an ON signal by itself by directly electrically connecting the control unit 380 (refer to FIG. 1 ).

6 shows an example of a smart shoe module 200 related to the present invention.

Figure 6 (a) is a front perspective view of the smart shoe module 200 related to the present invention, Figure 6 (b) is a rear perspective view of the smart shoe module 200 related to the present invention.

The housing forming the exterior of the smart shoe module may include an upper case and a lower case. Alternatively, the upper case and the lower case may be formed in a unibody shape, but in the present invention, it will be described on the premise that the upper case and the lower case are formed as separate bodies and combined.

In addition, the upper and lower portions of the upper case and the lower case are only limited for convenience of description of the present invention, and the case of the upper case and the lower case may be provided interchangeably within the scope that does not impair the purpose of the present invention. , or may be provided as a combination of the first case and the second case rather than the upper case and the lower case. Or, of course, it may be formed by a combination of three or more cases.

7 is an exploded perspective view of the smart shoe module 200 related to the present invention.

The smart shoe module 200 may mean a structural unit for mounting a component performing the function of the substrate pressure sensor 346 (see FIG. 1 ), and may include the entire configuration physically mounted in the housing 260 . have.

The housing 260 may mount components such as the substrate 250 . It may be composed of a combination of the upper case 261 and the lower case 262 provided on the front of the housing 260 .

The power supply unit 390 may be mounted in the housing 260 to supply power to the control unit 380 and the like.

It may include a battery cover 274 coupled to the lower case 262 for smooth replacement of the power supply unit 390 .

The waterproof ring 275 may block the gap between the battery cover 274 and the lower case 262 to prevent a problem in waterproofing.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 6 .

The upper case 261 forms the upper exterior of the smart shoe module 200 and may elastically behave by a pressure greater than or equal to a specific value acting in the first direction. The first direction may in particular mean a direction from the wearer's feet to the ground. That is, it may mean a direction from the upper case 261 to the lower case 262 .

A pressure greater than or equal to a specific value may mean the above-described signal generation threshold pressure value.

The upper case 261 may have a thin flat shape so that pressure can be well transmitted from the bottom of the wearer's feet to the conductive member 230 , and may be provided in direct contact with the conductive member 230 . The outer surface of the upper case 261 may be convex so that the pressure from the wearer's feet or the insole to which the pressure is transmitted from the wearer's feet may be well transmitted to the upper case 261 . The upper case 261 may include a material having elasticity as needed to transmit pressure to the conductive member 230 well. For example, the upper case 261 may be formed of a material of silicon.

The lower case 262 may be coupled to the lower end of the upper case 261 to form the lower exterior of the smart shoe module 200 .

The first circuit unit 251 may be mounted on the housing 260 formed by the upper case 261 and the lower case 262 , and in particular may be fixed to the lower case 262 .

A portion of the first circuit unit 251 may be exposed on one surface of the substrate 250 to be in contact with or to be in contact with a conductive member 230 to be described later.

The first circuit unit 251 may be provided in the form of a combination of a film and a metal electrode, or may be provided in the form of a film and a conductive polymer. Alternatively, it may be provided in the form of a film and CNT, or may be provided in the form of a film and graphene.

Alternatively, the first circuit unit 251 may be provided in the form of an injection-molded product and MID (Mold Interconnect Devices).

The substrate 250 may mount the first circuit unit 251 . The substrate 250 may mount a second circuit unit for driving the motion sensor 343 . The substrate 250 may mount the control unit 380 (refer to FIG. 1 ). However, the smart shoe module 200 does not necessarily include the motion sensor 343, the second circuit unit, or the control unit 380. If necessary, the smart shoe 100 includes an independently separated separate motion sensor 343, first At least one of the two circuit units or the control unit 380 (refer to FIG. 1 ) may be included.

The conductive member 230 may generate an electrical signal to the first circuit unit 251 .

The conductive member 230 may be mounted on the housing 260 formed by the upper case 261 and the lower case 262 , but in particular, may be provided inside the upper case 261 .

The conductive member 230 may generate a signal to the first circuit unit 251 due to the elastic behavior by the pressure acting on the upper case 261 .

That is, the conductive member 230 may perform a function of the pressure sensor 364 (refer to FIG. 1 ) according to whether or not a pressure equal to or greater than a specific value is applied to the upper case 261 by contacting the first circuit unit 251 . When a pressure greater than a specific value acts on the smart shoe module 200 , an electrical signal may be generated in the first circuit unit 251 .

The conductive member 230 may be in contact with the first circuit unit 251 or may serve to electrically connect the first circuit unit 251 by receiving pressure while in contact with the first circuit unit 251 . The conductive member 230 may include a conductive material that allows current to flow well. Therefore, it may be conductive silicon, metal gasket, metal plate or metal deposition, conductive polymer, CNT, graphene, or the like.

Alternatively, it may be composed of a combination of an injection molded product and a MID (Mold Interconnect Device).

For convenience of description, a state in which no pressure is applied to the smart shoe module 200 is named a neutral state, and a state in which a pressure greater than or equal to a specific value is applied to the smart shoe module 200 is named a compressed state.

In the smart shoe module 200 in the compressed state, the conductive member 230 and the first circuit unit 251 may be in physical contact with each other. On the other hand, in the smart shoe module 200 in a neutral state, the conductive member 230 and the first circuit unit 251 may be physically separated from each other or may be physically in contact with each other according to an embodiment.

If necessary, the conductive member 230 and the first circuit unit 251 may physically contact each other, and the inner surface of the upper case 261 may be spaced apart from the conductive member 230 .

Hereinafter, various embodiments that may occur depending on the material and shape of the conductive member 230 will be described.

<First embodiment>

9 illustrates a part of the smart shoe module 200 for the case where the conductive member 230 is the variable resistance element 230-1.

The conductive member 230 may include a variable resistance element 230-1. The variable resistance element 230-1 may refer to a material whose resistance is reduced according to a load applied to the variable resistance element 230-1.

In the smart shoe module 200 in the neutral state, the variable resistance element 230-1 may form a predetermined interval with the first circuit unit 251 or may be in contact with the first circuit unit 251 . In the latter case, one surface of the variable resistance element 230-1 may be in contact with the upper case 261 and the other surface may be in contact with the first circuit unit 251 .

Alternatively, the variable resistance element 230-1 may be fixed to the substrate 250 and provided in contact with the first circuit unit 251 and spaced apart from the inner surface 2611 of the upper case 261 .

In the smart shoe module 200 in the compressed state, the resistance of the variable resistance element 230-1 may decrease to generate a signal in the first circuit unit 251 .

The resistance of the variable resistance element 230-1 may be changed according to the degree of pressure even in a state in which it is in contact with the first circuit unit 251 . Therefore, the above-described on signal and off signal of the smart shoe module 200 are not based on whether the variable resistance element 230-1 and the first circuit unit 251 are in physical contact, but rather the variable resistance element 230-1. ), the operation of the controller 380 may be required to recognize the point as the on signal and the off signal based on the point at which the resistance of ) becomes less than or equal to a specific value.

However, since the variable resistance element 230-1 has a low resistance with respect to the compression direction, when it is compressed in the vertical direction, the first circuit unit 251 cannot be formed as a closed circuit, so reliability of signal generation may not be secured. have.

Accordingly, in order to compensate for this, a conductive layer 231 covering at least one region of the upper surface of the variable resistance element 230-1 may be further included.

A current flow in the vertical direction of the variable resistance element 230-1 may travel through the conductive layer 231 in the horizontal direction to configure the first circuit unit 251 as a closed circuit.

<Second embodiment>

In particular, the conductive member 230 may be a piezo element 230 - 2 .

The piezo element 230-2 generates current and voltage according to the pressure applied to the piezo element 230-2, or, conversely, when flowing current and voltage to the piezo element 230-2, the piezo element 230- 2) may mean a device that physically behaves.

In the smart shoe module 200 in a neutral state, the piezo element 230 - 2 may form a predetermined interval with the first circuit unit 251 or may be in contact with the first circuit unit 251 . In the latter case, one surface of the piezo element 230 - 2 may be in contact with the upper case 261 , and the other surface may be in contact with the first circuit unit 251 .

Alternatively, the piezo element 230 - 2 may be fixed to the substrate 250 and provided in contact with the first circuit unit 251 , and may be provided spaced apart from the inner surface 2611 of the upper case 261 .

When the piezo element 230 - 2 of the smart shoe module 200 in the compressed state is compressed, current or voltage may be generated. In this case, the compression degree and the generated current or voltage may have a proportional tendency.

The current or voltage generated in the piezo element 230 - 2 is formed as an electric signal through the first circuit unit 251 , and the control unit 380 controls the pressure based on the current or voltage of the signal generated in the first circuit unit 251 . It is possible to measure the degree or determine whether a pressure equal to or greater than a specific value is applied to the smart shoe module 200 .

Even in a state in which the piezo element 230 - 2 is in contact with the first circuit unit 251 , the voltage generated may be changed according to the degree of compression. Therefore, the above-described on signal and off signal of the smart shoe module 200 are not based on the physical contact between the piezo element 230 - 2 and the first circuit unit 251 , but are transmitted to the piezo element 230 - 2 . The operation of the control unit 380 may be required to recognize a point at which the generated current or voltage becomes greater than or equal to a specific value as an on signal and an off signal.

10 is a block diagram of the smart shoe module 200 when the conductive member 230 is the piezo element 230 - 2 .

The piezo element 230 - 2 may generate current and voltage according to the pressure applied to the piezo element 230 - 2 .

The controller 380 may further calculate the amount of exercise of the user based on the current or voltage of the signal generated in the first circuit unit 251 through the piezo element 230 - 2 .

That is, the piezo element 230 - 2 not only determines whether an on signal or an off signal is present, but can continuously provide the current or voltage generated by the pressure to the controller 380 , so the controller 380 can It can also be used to calculate momentum.

When the conductive member 230 is the piezo element 230 - 2 , the piezo element 230 may serve as an energy supply for storing current or voltage.

Power may be stored in the power supply unit 390 that provides power to the smart shoe module 200 through a current or voltage generated through the piezo element 230 - 2 . Therefore, in this case, it is possible to bring a synergistic effect that can semi-permanently or permanently increase the use time of the power supply unit 390 .

11 is a block diagram of the smart shoe module 200 when the conductive member 230 is a piezo element 230 - 2 .

Conversely, the piezo element 230 - 2 may serve to provide a physical behavior to the smart shoe module 200 in response to the voltage of the controller 380 .

The control unit 380 causes the power supply unit 390 to apply a voltage corresponding to a preset control signal to the piezo element 230 - 2 , and the piezo element 230 - 2 physically behaves in response to the applied voltage. can do. In an embodiment, the physical behavior of the piezo element 230 - 2 may be an alarm function through vibration.

That is, the piezo element 230-2, which is the conductive member 230, serves as a pressure sensor 364 (refer to FIG. 1) for detecting the user's movement and at the same time physically moves the smart shoe module 200 to notify the user. can be performed simultaneously.

12 to 15 are views sequentially illustrating embodiments in which a notification function is provided to a user through the piezo element 230 - 2 .

The preset control signal may vary at least one of a voltage application magnitude, a voltage application frequency, and a voltage application period.

As the magnitude of the voltage application increases, the displacement of the physical behavior of the piezo element may vary. The number and period of voltage application may affect the diversification of patterns recognizable by a user.

The smart shoe module 200 may be provided in the left smart shoe 100 and the right smart shoe 100 , respectively.

The smart shoe module 200 provided in the left smart shoe 100 is replaced with the left smart shoe module 200-1, and the smart shoe module 200 provided in the right smart shoe 100 is replaced with the right smart shoe module 200-2. ), and a unit that organically operates in the left smart shoe module 200-1 and the right smart shoe module 200-2 is defined as the smart shoe module system 2001.

That is, the control unit 380 of either one of the left smart shoe module 200-1 and the right smart shoe module 200-2 can control not only one smart shoe module but also the other smart shoe module. Alternatively, each control unit 380 may control each smart shoe module and share this information with each other for organic control.

Alternatively, a separate terminal may control the controller 380 of each smart shoe module.

In the previous two cases, the left smart shoe module 200-1 and the right smart shoe module 200-2 can be viewed as the smart shoe module system 2001, and in the latter case, the left smart shoe module 200-1 and the right The smart shoe module 200 - 2 and a separate terminal may be viewed as the smart shoe module system 2001 .

The piezo element 230 - 2 may be provided on both the left smart shoe module 200 - 1 and the right smart shoe module 200 - 2 , respectively.

The preset control signal may be a first control signal for applying a voltage to any one of the respective piezo elements 230 - 2 . That is, the first control signal may be a signal to generate vibration on only one of both sides of the smart shoe module 200 .

The preset control signal may be a second control signal for simultaneously applying a voltage to both sides of each piezo element. That is, the second control signal may be a signal to generate vibrations on both sides of the smart shoe module 200 at the same time.

The preset control signal may be a third control signal for applying a voltage to both sides of each piezo element at this time. That is, the third control signal may be a signal to generate vibration at this time on both sides of the smart shoe module 200 .

Accordingly, the controller 380 may transmit various signals to the wearer by a combination of the magnitude, number, and period of voltage application and vibration generation through the division of the left/right smart shoe module 200 .

For example, the importance of the notification may be varied by varying the vibration intensity through the magnitude of voltage application. Alternatively, generating vibration on only one side of the left/right smart shoe module 200 may mean a moving direction. In addition, simultaneously generating vibrations on both sides of the left/right smart shoe module 200 may mean a notification to stop. In addition, generating vibration on both sides of the left/right smart shoe module 200 at this time may mean a notification to move backward.

12 is an embodiment related to a vibration control signal of the piezo element 230 - 2 for guiding rotation.

The controller 380 may generate vibrations in the smart shoe module in a direction requiring rotation. That is, when a right turn is required, vibration is generated in the right smart shoe module 200-2 when a left turn is required, and the wearer can recognize this as a rotation request notification by generating vibrations in the left smart shoe module 200-1.

If necessary, as the rotation request point approaches, the vibration pattern may be changed to notify the wearer that the rotation request point is approaching. For example, before the rotation request point 100m, vibration occurs once (Fig. 12(a)), before 50m, vibration occurs 3 times (Fig. 12(b)), and within 3m, it continuously occurs until rotation (Fig. 12(c)) is also possible.

It may mean that the number of black cells is proportional to the vibration intensity. A unit of ms or sec may mean a vibration time. This can be equally applied to FIGS. 13 to 15, which will be described later.

The rotation point may be acquired through coordinate information pre-stored in the storage unit or coordinate information transmitted through the server among the routes to the destination set by the user or automatically set by the user.

As described above, the location information module may measure or transmit location information of the smart shoe module 200 so that the controller 380 calculates the distance between the location information of the smart shoe module 200 and the rotation point.

Such an algorithm may be equally applied to FIGS. 13 to 15, which will be described later.

13 is an exemplary embodiment related to the vibration control signal of the piezo element 230 - 2 notifying the arrival.

The controller 380 may apply a voltage to the piezo element 230 - 2 to notify when the smart shoe module 200 reaches a preset arrival point. The voltage application control signal may be generated three times simultaneously in the left/right smart shoe module 200 .

14 is an exemplary embodiment related to the vibration control signal of the piezo element 230 - 2 notifying the danger.

When the position or change of the position of the smart shoe module 200 proceeds in an unintended path, or when it approaches or reaches a dangerous point, the controller 380 controls the left/right smart shoe module 200 at the same time to continuously generate large vibrations. A voltage corresponding to the generated control signal may be applied.

15 is an embodiment related to a vibration control signal of the piezo element 230-2 for guiding backward movement.

When the location or change of the smart shoe module 200 deviates from the guide path and it is necessary to return to the opposite direction to the progressed direction, the control unit 380 controls the left/right smart shoe module 200 at this time, that is, alternately small It is possible to apply a voltage corresponding to a control signal for continuously generating vibration.

<Example 3>

16 is an exemplary embodiment in which a dielectric is used as the conductive member 230 .

The conductive member 230 may be, in particular, a dielectric 230 - 3 .

The dielectric 230 - 3 is a change in the gap between the dielectric 230 - 3 and the first circuit unit 251 according to the pressure applied to the dielectric 230 - 3 or a change in the shape of the dielectric 230 - 3 . The degree of pressure can be measured by detecting the change in capacity.

In the smart shoe module 200 in a neutral state, the dielectric 230 - 3 may form a predetermined interval with the first circuit unit 251 or may be in contact with the first circuit unit 251 . In the latter case, one surface of the dielectric 230 - 3 may be in contact with the upper case 261 and the other surface may be in contact with the first circuit unit 251 .

Alternatively, the dielectric 230 - 3 may be fixed to the substrate 250 and provided in contact with the first circuit unit 251 , and may be provided to be spaced apart from the inner surface 2611 of the upper case 261 .

At least one region of the first circuit unit 251 may be exposed on the surface of the substrate 250 . The first circuit unit 251 may be provided in the form of a self-cap or a form of a mutual cap.

The controller 380 (refer to FIG. 1 ) may measure a change in capacitance generated in the first circuit unit 251 of the smart shoe module 200 in a compressed state.

17 is a side schematic view of the smart shoe module 200 provided with the dielectric 230 - 3 .

17(a), 17(b), and 17(c) illustrate sequential compression of the dielectric 230-3 to the first circuit unit 251 due to pressure.

The dielectric 230 - 3 may have a shape having a cross-sectional area that decreases from the upper case 261 toward the first circuit unit 251 .

For example, the dielectric 230 - 3 may have a cone shape. The contact area of the cone-shaped dielectric 230 - 3 may increase as the pressure applied to the smart shoe module 200 increases, and accordingly, a change in capacitance may occur. The controller 380 (refer to FIG. 1 ) may recognize this change in capacitance and recognize whether a pressure greater than or equal to a specific value has been applied to the smart shoe module 200 .

The signal generation threshold pressure value, which is a specific value pressure, may be designed to vary depending on the dielectric constant and shape of the dielectric 230 - 3 .

<Example 4>

18 shows an embodiment of the smart shoe module 200 related to the present invention.

The conductive member 230 may include a dome cap 230 - 4 in a dome switch manner. That is, the dome cap 230 - 4 may be mounted on the first circuit unit 251 . The dome cap 230 - 4 may be fixedly provided to the first circuit unit 251 instead of the upper case 261 .

A protruding key pressing part 232 may be formed on the inner surface 2611 of the upper case 261 to easily press the dome cap 230 - 4 .

When a pressure equal to or greater than a specific value is applied to the elastically moving upper case 261 , the dome cap 230 - 4 mounted on the first circuit unit 251 may be pressed to generate an ON signal to the smart shoe module 200 .

The signal generation threshold pressure value may vary depending on the material or shape of the dome cap 230 - 4 and the fourth gap G4 between the key press part 232 and the dome cap 230 - 4 .

<Example 5>

19 shows an embodiment of the smart shoe module 200 related to the present invention.

A first magnetic member 233 may be provided in the upper case 261 , and a second magnetic member 234 generating a repulsive force with the first magnetic member 233 may be provided in the lower case 262 .

When the load acting on the smart shoe module 200 continues, deformation occurs in the housing 260 of the smart shoe module 200 , that is, the upper case 261 or the lower case 262 , so that the signal generation threshold pressure value is not intended. Unexpected changes may occur.

Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the change in the signal generation threshold pressure value by using the repulsive force of the first magnetic member 233 and the second magnetic member 234 that are semi-permanently maintained.

It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the present invention.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects and should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

100: smart shoes 110: sole frame
111: insole 112: midsole
113: outsole 120: seating part
200: smart shoe module 230: conductive member
230-1: variable resistance element 230-2: piezo element
230-3: dielectric 230-4: dome cap
231: conductive layer 232: key press
233: first magnetic member 234: second magnetic member
250: main board 251: first circuit part
2511: contact terminal 260: housing
261: upper case 2611: upper case inner surface
262: lower case 343: motion sensor
344: acceleration sensor 345: gyro sensor
380: control unit 390: power supply

Claims (10)

delete delete delete an upper case that forms an upper exterior of the pressure switch and elastically behaves in response to a pressure greater than or equal to a specific value acting in a first direction;
a lower case coupled to a lower end of the upper case to form an outer appearance of a lower end of the pressure switch;
a board mounted on the lower case and including a first circuit part;
a piezo element provided between the upper case and the first circuit part of the substrate and generating a signal in the first circuit part by the elastic behavior;
a control unit for processing a signal generated in the first circuit unit;
a power supply for applying a voltage to the piezo element; and
Including; a location information module for measuring or transmitting location information of the smart shoe module;
The control unit is
causing the power supply unit to apply a voltage corresponding to a preset control signal to the piezo element,
A smart shoe module, characterized in that the voltage application period is varied in response to the distance between the location information measured by the location information module and a specific location. 5. The method of claim 4,
The control unit is
Smart shoe module, characterized in that for calculating the amount of exercise of the user based on the voltage of the signal generated in the first circuit unit. 5. The method of claim 4,
The power supply unit receives electricity generated from the piezo element and stores electricity. delete 5. The method of claim 4,
The preset control signal is a smart shoe module, characterized in that at least one of the voltage application magnitude, number, and cycle is different. delete an upper case that forms an upper exterior of the pressure switch and elastically behaves in response to a pressure greater than or equal to a specific value acting in a first direction;
a lower case coupled to a lower end of the upper case to form an outer appearance of a lower end of the pressure switch;
a board mounted on the lower case and including a first circuit part;
a piezo element provided between the upper case and the first circuit part of the substrate and generating a signal in the first circuit part by the elastic behavior;
a control unit for processing a signal generated in the first circuit unit; and
Including; a power supply for applying a voltage to the piezo element;
The control unit is
causing the power supply unit to apply a voltage corresponding to a preset control signal to the piezo element,
The smart shoe module includes a left smart shoe module and a right smart shoe module each provided with the piezo element,
The preset control signal includes a first control signal for applying a voltage to either one of the respective piezo elements, a second control signal for simultaneously applying a voltage to both of the respective piezo elements, and a voltage to both of the respective piezo elements at this time. A smart shoe module comprising a third control signal to apply.

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